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Abbreviated Minutes: Complete Set of Minutes Are on File in The Clerk’s Office
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Madison County
Commissioner Meeting Minutes
April 13, 2026
Attendees:
Todd Smith, Commissioner Chairman
Brent Mendenhall, Commissioner
Dustin Parkinson, Commissioner
Troy Evans, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Kim Muir, County Clerk
Karen Daniels, Deputy Clerk
Lori Hicks, Sr. Accountant
ACTION ITEMS
This meeting was streamed electronically.
Pledge of Allegiance: By all
Invocation: Commissioner Parkinson
Calendar Discussion:
Next Commission Meeting April 27, and May 11, 2026.
The Budget Hearing date was set for Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. for the County,
Ambulance and Mosquito Districts.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to hold the budget hearing
on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous.
The motion passed.
Budget meetings with department heads and elected officials set for June 8, 2026, in conjunction
with Commission Meeting and June 10, 2026.
May 19, 2026 is Election Day, Early voting will run May 4th–15th.
Schedule of Commissioners:
Hospital Board Meeting April 22nd, Commissioner Mendenhall will attend.
Commissioner Mendenhall will be in IAC meetings in Boise April 22nd-24th.
Discussion Items:
Discussion regarding updates to fees on County Website: This will be further discussed at the
department head meeting.
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Vehicle for P&Z:
Gary will discuss with the Sheriff regarding vehicles they may be disposing of, or the P & Z Office
could use one of the cars in the Administration Building parking lot.
Flood 50 Donation:
The city is asking if Madison County will be donating to this event.
Update on Frontage Road, Moody Road and University Road projects:
o Frontage Road. Concrete is here for the bridge and will be ready for paving with completion
around the 4th of July.
o Moody Bridge. Preparing to pave. There have been issues with the deck and it will need
grinding and resealing.
o University Boulevard. The ditch is moved and dirt is being hauled in. The City has let us
know there are no funds to put into this project. The road will be built as wide as the city
requires. Rather than paving, they will oil and rock for now. They hope to have it drivable
by late Summer or early Fall.
The bike path was discussed at a public meeting, and the public wasn’t in favor of the proposed
route. Commissioner Parkinson met with Tyler and came up with a more desirable route. The city
has annexed and the path can continue further South. This change will not cause any problems
with the grant and there may be extra costs, but it will be better for all concerned.
Veterans Building update:
Commissioner Mendenhall investigated this matter and received a copy of a deed provided by the
Idaho Military Division. The deed shows that the Military Division deeded the building to Madison
County. Legal Counsel will draw up an MOU.
Medicare insurance reimbursements for employees, including premiums:
After discussion, the Commissioners determined that those on Medicare should have the same
benefits as all employees. Commissioner Mendenhall will meet with Brian McKellar to discuss
details and bring it back to Commissioners.
Contracts/Documents:
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the MOU with
the City of Rexburg for School District property. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting
was unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve and ratify the
Chairman’s signature of the Lease for the Extension Services Building. Commissioner Parkinson
seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve a purchase
from Norcon Industries, Inc. for new bleachers at the Fairgrounds. Commissioner Parkinson
seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. ($25,000 of this will come from the
Fairgrounds budget)
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Routine Matters:
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the claims
presented by the Clerk in the amount of $1,513,275.72. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and
voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the Commission
meeting minutes for March 23 and April 1, 2026. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting
was unanimous. The motion passed.
Personnel Actions:
Employee Name Position Salary/Wage Change
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve Personnel
Actions. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
There were no Certificates of Residency.
Public Comment:
Edward Ashton, 2085 E 2000 N. He asked to install a flashing yellow light at the intersection of
Digger Drive and Moody to help improve safety and reduce accidents. Mr. Ashton noted that a
state report indicated four accidents in the past 10 years, but he believes this is underreported, as
he has personally observed more incidents during that time. A key concern is limited visibility, as
a home obstructs the view of the stop sign at 16th East and Moody, contributing to the safety issue.
Kent Barrus, 1417 S 7th E, expressed serious safety concerns on the same roadway, warning that
lives could be at risk without intervention at the intersection. Over the 24 years he has lived in the
area, he has witnessed multiple vehicles fail to stop at the stop sign, with four vehicles ending up
in his field.
Commissioner Parkinson will consult with Road & Bridge to install a flashing stop sign at the
intersection, Commissioner Smith will follow up to review and verify the accuracy of the reported
accident data. A traffic study may be requested as well for more information.
Planning & Zoning:
Finding of Facts:
Plat Amendment-Mill Creek Estates–Nate Thompson
Nate Thompson owns the ½ acre lot in question. The lot is part of the T&S Subdivision that was
platted in 2009. The lot was part of Lot 6, which was later divided into Lots 6A & B, with Nate
owning Lot B. In 2020, Lot 8 of T&S was platted into the Mill Creek Estates Subdivision. Nate
owns what is Block 1 Lot 6 of Mill Creek Estates. The application is to move the ½ acre lot (Lot
6B) from T&S subdivision and combine it into Mill Creek Estates Block 1 Lot 6 of Mill Creek
Estates Subdivision. The change will facilitate construction of a shop building to the east of the
pond, where the current lot line is located.
After review and discussion and having found that the application meets the requirements for Plat
Amendment as outlined in Madison County Code 115-201(C), Commissioner Mendenhall made
a motion to approve the application from Nathan Thompson to amend T&S Subdivision and Mill
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Creek Estates Subdivision, as proposed in application materials received February 25, 2026.
Commissioner Smith seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Final Plat for Old School Subdivision – D.L. Beck LLC-Brad Cramer
The application is for a 16 lot commercial subdivision of 20.5 acres of land, on the north side of
5200 S, at about 2786 W, in the Thornton Business Area. The property has commercial zoning. At
16 lots, the development is considered “Medium Scale Development (between 9-29 lots)” in
Madison County Code. All lots are at least 1 acre. The subdivision is proposed to include access
off of 5200 S on the south end, and then connect to adjacent Texas Siding Business Park to the
west via the already established Grizzly Lane. Each lot will have a private well and septic. The
property is the location of the old Lyman school. The property still has the well from the school,
that may be used for fire flow and fire suppression within the subdivision, pending testing.
After review and discussion and having found that the application meets the requirements for Final
Plat as outlined in Madison County Code 115-32, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to
approve the application from DL Beck, Inc for the Preliminary Plat for the Old School Subdivision,
as proposed in application materials received February 25, 2026. Commissioner Mendenhall
seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Conditional Use Permit for Duplex for Greg & Daniele McKinnes
The applicant is applying for a Conditional Use Permit to build a duplex on a 1.52-acre parcel in
the Transitional Agriculture Zone. Duplexes are allowed in the TAG zone with a Conditional
Use Permit. The property is not in a subdivision. The applicant lives on the parcel immediately to
the east of the subject parcel. The subject parcel was split off the applicant’s parcel in March 2025
for the purpose of creating a building lot for the proposed duplex.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the findings of
fact for Greg and Daniele McKinnes. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was
unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the application
from Greg & Daniele McInnes for a Conditional Use Permit for a Duplex as proposed in
application materials received February 10, 2026, with conditions as outlined in the staff report.
Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Conditional Use Permit-Home Business Major for Maurice & Tammy Brown (this is a
correction from the posted agenda)
The applicant is applying for a Conditional Use Permit to operate an Accessory Home
Occupation/Home Business (yoga studio and event/party venue). The property is in the Rexburg
Area of City Impact, Rexburg Rural Residential 1 Zone. Under Madison County Code Section
105-22, this type of use requires a Conditional Use Permit. The property is not in a subdivision.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the findings of
fact for Maurice and Tammy Brown. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was
unanimous. The motion passed.
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After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the application
from Maurice & Tammy Brown for a Conditional Use Permit to operate Accessory Home
Occupation/Home Business – (yoga studio and event/party venue) as proposed in application
materials received February 13, 2026, with conditions as outlined in the staff report. Commissioner
Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Aaron Dalling, Fremont Madison Irrigation District, Request for a Drought Declaration
Aaron Dalling, Executive Director of the Fremont-Madison Irrigation District, petitioned the
Commissioners to approve a resolution declaring a drought in Madison County.
The declaration would:
•
Allow temporary changes to water rights, helping more farms access available water to
finish crops
•
Help mitigate the impacts of drought conditions
•
Trigger access to additional resources, including low-interest loans and federal assistance
programs
The resolution will be placed on the next agenda for formal consideration and approval.
Executive Session: Commissioner Smith made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:17
a.m. Idaho Code § 74-206(1)(b) employee matters. A roll call was taken as follows: Commissioner
Smith-yes, Commissioner Mendenhall-yes, Commissioner Parkinson-yes. The motion passed.
Commissioner Smith returned to open session at 11:10 a.m.
Shawn Boice, Assessor
Board of Equalization matters: Ag Exemptions, Site Improvement Exemptions, Non-profit
Exemptions, Tax Credit for Lynette Murray
Shawn reports the Tax Commission has notified him that the county is not trending. Shawn has
worked with the State Tax Commission, and a plan has been agreed upon.
Also discussed was new legislation that the Assessor’s cannot access personal property except
public property. Reappraising will be based on GIS and will be appraising on the highest value
possible. New construction changes will come from the plan.
Tax Cancellation:
There was an error in valuation of this split-level home, and the square footage needs to be
adjusted.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the tax
cancellation for $501.90 for Lynette Murray. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was
unanimous. The motion passed.
Ag Exemptions:
Applying for an Ag exemption but doesn’t comply until fencing is finished and they can show
income for animals grazing on the property.
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After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to deny James and
Kathleen Allen and Anne and Josh Hobbs for this tax year. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and
voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the application
for Nathan and Heather Anderson. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous.
The motion passed.
Site Improvement Exemptions:
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the site
exemption for Bagley Brothers Enterprises LLC. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting
was unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve Forge
Holdings. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the site
exemption for Juniper Commons LLC. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was
unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the site
exemption for White Owl Business Park. This includes 2 parcels. Commissioner Parkinson
seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the site
exemption for Thunderbird Business Park LLC. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting
was unanimous. The motion passed.
Non-Profit Exemptions:
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the BYU-I
non-profit tax exemption for two homes. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was
unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to deny the tax exemption
application for the Rexburg Free Clinic. Additional information is needed regarding ownership of
the building. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
They will need to discuss it further with Commissioners.
A site exemption on two of the properties for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was
discussed. More research is needed and this will be discussed at the next meeting.
Personnel Policy updates, Holiday pay, Bereavement pay
This matter was turned over to the Employee Committee to be discussed.
Employee Recognition: Certificates and awards were presented to the following for their years of
service in Madison County:
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Mark Backstein 30 years
Todd Smith 15 years
Blake Banta 15 years
Julia Solomon 15 years
Boyd Clark 15 years
Blake Egbert 10 years
Jade Bills 5 years
Department Head Meeting:
Topics to discuss:
Drug testing
The county is looking into doing more drug testing for all employees. This was discussed further,
and the policy was reviewed. Right now, it is up to the department heads and elected officials on
the timing of these.
Updates to County website when fees change
Departments were asked to coordinate with IT to ensure the correct fees are put on the county
website, so the public is informed of the right amounts.
Report on new credit cards – Hannah
Hannah explained the nuances of changing to BILL for credit cards, as of May 1. She emphasized
the need to send a picture of the receipt as soon as a charge is made. She will allow up to 14 days
to receive the receipt.
Budgets
Clerk Kim Muir stated that budget packets are out to Departments. She explained that the State of
Idaho is warning of a budget deficit this year and revenues to the counties are being cut. The
County may also have to decrease budgets this year. Departments were encouraged to be frugal in
budgeting.
Employee Retention – Years of Service
Departments were advised to budget for any employees that would be receiving years of service
awards. The county allows $20 per year as employees reach years of service in 5-year increments.
Gary Armstrong mentioned some deep fake issues with a citizen receiving an invoice from the
Planning and Zoning Department that was not sent by them. Other issues were also mentioned,
and Department Heads were encouraged to be vigilant in watching for these fraudulent issues.
Lance Hansen, Fair Board foundation discussion
Commissioner Smith reported on a discussion from a recent Fair Board committee meeting
regarding the potential need for a Fairgrounds foundation.
•
Lance explained that a foundation could serve as the vehicle for donations and allow the
Fair Board to secure and repay loans for large projects, which the County may not be able
to do directly.
•
There was discussion about:
o If the Fair Board and Foundation should be combined or separate entities
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o If Fair Board members should also serve on the Foundation board
•
Commissioner Smith preferred keeping the boards separate, and the Commissioners agreed
that:
o They still want to approve all major projects
o They would like to receive quarterly reports
Lance was asked to finalize the bylaws and report back at the next meeting.
Jason Wilburn, RFP for software acquisition
The IT Department needs to acquire a tax software system for the Assessor’s and Treasurer’s
offices.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the Request for
Proposals (RFP) to provide a Computer-Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) and Property Tax
Admin System with the caveat that the RFP include a start and estimated end date. Commissioner
Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Craig Cobia, Airport update, Review and sign: Option agreement on land for new airport
Commissioner Parkinson recused himself from this matter. Craig reported that he was directed to
move forward with the airport relocation project last December. Since then, his efforts have
focused on:
•
Identifying high-priority actions
•
Securing legal access to the proposed property
•
Evaluating the BLM land being considered for the project
He emphasized that multiple potential locations have been researched as part of the planning
process. There was also discussion about formalizing the partnership and next steps through a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to support and authorize
an option agreement on land for new airport. Commissioner Smith seconded and voting was
unanimous. The motion passed.
Jared Arnold, Update on Department
Jared provided the following updates:
•
Dry conditions have led to an increase in mosquito populations, raising concerns about
West Nile virus, and highlighting the need for increased activity within the City of
Rexburg.
•
The State of Idaho has reduced funding for the Weed Department, eliminating cost share
support for this year.
•
The Teton Dam overlook project is progressing well.
•
A road clearing project for the Building Department will be resuming soon.
•
Jared will continue to apply for grants to support ongoing and future projects, noting that
state funding would be beneficial, especially for work across the entire mountain range.
•
Landscaping efforts are moving forward at the Search and Rescue building.
•
Roadside mowing is scheduled:
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o Twice on the valley floor
o Once around the ponds
•
Jared also provided an overview of the many buildings serviced by the Janitorial and
Maintenance Department, as well as updates on his office staff responsibilities.
Executive Session: Commissioner Smith made a motion to go back into Executive Session at 2:13
p.m. Idaho Code § 74-206(1)(b) employee matters and (c) property matters (continued). A roll call
was taken as follows: Commissioner Smith-yes, Commissioner Mendenhall-yes, Commissioner
Parkinson-yes. The motion passed. Commissioner Smith returned to open session at 4:42 p.m.
Commissioner Smith adjourned the meeting at 4:42 p.m.
Approved:
Todd Smith, Commissioner
Brent Mendenhall, Commissioner
Dustin Parkinson, Commissioner
Attest:
Kim Muir, County Clerk
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